Royale Brewing Opens Its Production Brewery

Almost two years after its launch as a contract brewery, Royale Brewing is now brewing its own beers at its new production brewery in Northeast Portland. During the past two years the founders of Royale Brewing; Mike Weksler, Jack Houston, and Paul Bastian, had its beers contracted brewed at Alameda Brewing.

Since the ownership of Royale Brewing also own and operate Green Bottling, a mobile bottler that is well utilized throughout the Pacific Northwest they have spent a considerable amount of time in breweries. Weksler, Houston, and Bastian knew that they needed to hire a competent, professional brewer. In doing so the three partners brought in Paul Rey to head up its brewing operations. Rey is 2009 graduate of Siebel Institute of Technology. Since graduating from Siebel he spent over five years at Telegraph Brewing in Santa Barbara, California.

Royale Brewing’s brewhouse from Practical Fusion.Royale Brewing isn’t ashamed of its mill room color choice.Roayle Brewing head brewer Paul Rey taking care of the spent grain after his first brew on St. Patrick’s Day.

On March 17, 2016, Royale Brewing brewed its first beer on its 15-barrel brewhouse produced by Practical Fusion. For its first brew Rey chose to brew its Fat Unicorn Pale Ale. This first batch should be hitting the market anytime now.

The lineup of beers that Royale will be brewing includes four mainstays with Fat Unicorn Pale Ale, The Visitor Red Ale, The Royale Porter, and Royale Pilsner. All four of these beers will be available year round in 22 oz. bottles. Both Fat Unicorn Pale Ale and Royale Pilsner will also be bottles in 6-pack, 12 oz. bottles. Beyond the year round lineup, Royale Brewing will also be offering up at least two seasonal offerings. Rey also plans to do some extensive barrel once the brewery is fully up to speed.

Royale Brwewing’s new 12 oz bottling line holding a bottle of Woodford Reserve just in time for St. Paddy’s Day. And yes, there were shots taken to celebrate the first brew day!A frothy Royale Brewing Fat Unicorn Pale Ale among the kegs at its production brewery.

Since the production brewery will primarily be closed to the public Royale Brewing will open a new taproom in the St. John’s Neighborhood at 8773 N. Lombard. The goal for Royale Garrison Taproom is to be open in the next couple of months. Initially the plan is to feature a rotating tap selection of six beers from Royale. Further on down the road and once a restaurant can sign on the Royale Garrison Taproom will also feature an extensive whiskey list. Tentatively the taproom will be open six days a week from Tuesday through Sunday.

Royale Brewing tap handles at its production brewery in NE Portland.The soon to be retired Royale Brewing delivery van.

Royale Brewing beers can be found within the state of Oregon via its self-distribution that will be followed with a Washington state launch in the near future. Also be on the lookout for its Whiskey and Beer Class that is planned to be held at Royale’s production brewery located at 55 NE Farragut on June 11, 2016 during PDX Beer Week. This will most likely be the first time the brewery will be open to the public.

About The Author

DJ

D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 20 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter at @hopapalooza.